Margery Dugan reports on last month’s flower show held in Devonport.
“Here we are, fresh as a daisy from another successful show held at the memorial hall. Such marvelous competitors, all of whom are winners in my book, but special mention must go to Margaret Coy for her entry of a Country Garland incorporating those favorite outdoor pursuits of hunting, fishing, camping and shooting, entitled wags, tags, swags and bags.
“June Smith’s innovative Christmas in July presented her with one small problem: as partridges are as scarce as hen’s teeth in her neck of the woods, she substituted a number eleven frozen chicken. A get well card has been sent to Cyril Allridge who suffered a slipped disc while carrying in his novelty entry, leaving him without a pot to put his Pisafera in. An extra special bouquet was hurriedly made up and Gladys Bulrush kindly offered to deliver it to the hospital. Designed to bring a burst of spring to the sickroom, it featured tortured willow on a rough slice of tree trunk with vertical thrusts of red hot pokers. Gladys said it brought tears to his eyes.
“Honorable mention must be made of Hugo Fogmarsh’s first place ribbon for his Covered Ring Base with copious amounts of scabiosa.
“An unsavory incident occurred with Gerald Shaw when he was told that, due to a sponsorship deal with Greenery Scenery, he would not be able to sell his own special blend of lawn seed, so for the rest of the day, he could be found selling his famous grasses out by the side entrance.
“Teresa Egglesworth also complained about her position in the hall; sun streaming in through the windows caused her flowers to wilt, so next time she will need to be told where to put her arrangements where the sun does not shine.
“A couple of entries raised a few eyebrows, but we must be prepared to think laterally and encourage new blood. Freedom of expression must be encouraged, although it must be noted that considerable opposition to new ideas was expected from the dieback brigade who have secateurs poised to snip any troublemakers in the bud. Gladys Bullrush’s entry springs to mind. Her Australia Day Serenade of thongs, blowflies and sand also found its way into the Seaside Salute section and received a ‘challenging exhibit' certificate.
“Sally Cuthbert was perhaps a little too creative for present tastes with her Outback Dunny combo with snake and choko vine. Esther Blenkiron’s innovative and original Ophelia, Barbie floating in an orchid, freesia and crocus filled foot spa, inadvertently became Ophelia whitewater rafting.
“Members chatted after the show on themes for the next show to be held at a date yet to be agreed upon. A Shakespearean theme - Phlox, Pox and Pot - was popular and will be put to a vote at the sub-committee meeting next Thursday night at Gladys's place. Members will also be asked to consider a proposal from Sally Cuthbert concerning a fundraising idea of her own devising: Choko Lotto, a vine to be planted over a lattice grid, but privately some members have already expressed doubts.
“Sod and Pod nursery suppliers have kindly donated a $125 voucher for a door prize and Pot Bound, a glazed topiary bonsai urn.
“Members are reminded that next year’s show will incorporate a special category to commemorate Vernon Smithen’s special contribution to the Floral Artiste. It will be forty years since he inadvertently invented floral foam while working on a cure for the common cold. Forget-me-not Foam Foliage has been tentatively pencilled in, but other suggestions include Foaming in the Gloaming as he was Scottish, Flight of Foaming Fantasy and Foaming at the South Bank, but so far the firm favorite is Foam Alone, suggesting a single spray. Members will be asked for further contributions.”
“Here we are, fresh as a daisy from another successful show held at the memorial hall. Such marvelous competitors, all of whom are winners in my book, but special mention must go to Margaret Coy for her entry of a Country Garland incorporating those favorite outdoor pursuits of hunting, fishing, camping and shooting, entitled wags, tags, swags and bags.
“June Smith’s innovative Christmas in July presented her with one small problem: as partridges are as scarce as hen’s teeth in her neck of the woods, she substituted a number eleven frozen chicken. A get well card has been sent to Cyril Allridge who suffered a slipped disc while carrying in his novelty entry, leaving him without a pot to put his Pisafera in. An extra special bouquet was hurriedly made up and Gladys Bulrush kindly offered to deliver it to the hospital. Designed to bring a burst of spring to the sickroom, it featured tortured willow on a rough slice of tree trunk with vertical thrusts of red hot pokers. Gladys said it brought tears to his eyes.
“Honorable mention must be made of Hugo Fogmarsh’s first place ribbon for his Covered Ring Base with copious amounts of scabiosa.
“An unsavory incident occurred with Gerald Shaw when he was told that, due to a sponsorship deal with Greenery Scenery, he would not be able to sell his own special blend of lawn seed, so for the rest of the day, he could be found selling his famous grasses out by the side entrance.
“Teresa Egglesworth also complained about her position in the hall; sun streaming in through the windows caused her flowers to wilt, so next time she will need to be told where to put her arrangements where the sun does not shine.
“A couple of entries raised a few eyebrows, but we must be prepared to think laterally and encourage new blood. Freedom of expression must be encouraged, although it must be noted that considerable opposition to new ideas was expected from the dieback brigade who have secateurs poised to snip any troublemakers in the bud. Gladys Bullrush’s entry springs to mind. Her Australia Day Serenade of thongs, blowflies and sand also found its way into the Seaside Salute section and received a ‘challenging exhibit' certificate.
“Sally Cuthbert was perhaps a little too creative for present tastes with her Outback Dunny combo with snake and choko vine. Esther Blenkiron’s innovative and original Ophelia, Barbie floating in an orchid, freesia and crocus filled foot spa, inadvertently became Ophelia whitewater rafting.
“Members chatted after the show on themes for the next show to be held at a date yet to be agreed upon. A Shakespearean theme - Phlox, Pox and Pot - was popular and will be put to a vote at the sub-committee meeting next Thursday night at Gladys's place. Members will also be asked to consider a proposal from Sally Cuthbert concerning a fundraising idea of her own devising: Choko Lotto, a vine to be planted over a lattice grid, but privately some members have already expressed doubts.
“Sod and Pod nursery suppliers have kindly donated a $125 voucher for a door prize and Pot Bound, a glazed topiary bonsai urn.
“Members are reminded that next year’s show will incorporate a special category to commemorate Vernon Smithen’s special contribution to the Floral Artiste. It will be forty years since he inadvertently invented floral foam while working on a cure for the common cold. Forget-me-not Foam Foliage has been tentatively pencilled in, but other suggestions include Foaming in the Gloaming as he was Scottish, Flight of Foaming Fantasy and Foaming at the South Bank, but so far the firm favorite is Foam Alone, suggesting a single spray. Members will be asked for further contributions.”